3 minute read
Safer, Stronger, More Inclusive
Safer, Stronger, More Inclusive
Conestoga investigates exoskeleton technology in the construction sector
By Dr. Amin Yazdani and Dr. Marcus Yung
Construction workers are at high risk of workplace injuries, particularly musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). MSDs include low-back injuries, rotator cuff injuries, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, and often result from repetitive and/ or forceful movements and awkward and static postures. According to workplace insurance board statistics, MSD accounts for 38% of all lost time claims, costing businesses billions of dollars due to worker absence, lost productivity and other indirect costs. Early exits from the labour market, due to workplace injuries, have contributed to the looming workforce shortage in the construction industry. Are wearable exoskeletons a potential solution? Researchers at the Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness & Performance (CISWP) have focused on creating evidence informed strategies to improve and sustain the health and safety of workers and address workforce retention challenges. Wearable passive exoskeletons are gaining popularity as a potential solution to augment, enable, assist and/or enhance a worker’s physical capacity. Passive exoskeletons may play a role in reducing the risk of MSD, as they are designed to redistribute load, absorb shocks and absorb a portion of the effective weight to minimize the problematic high forceful exertions.
In recent years, there has been a surge in laboratory-based studies contributing to the growing body of literature on the subject. These studies show initial benefit for workers through a reduction in muscle activity during dynamic lifting and overhead work, as well as improving metabolic efficiency.
While exoskeletons show promise in reducing injury risk, they have not been readily adopted by construction firms. In response, CISWP researchers, funded by federal and provincial research granting agencies, have focused on improving the adoption and implementation of exoskeleton technologies in the skilled trades.
Unfortunately, the current body of literature has not focused on investigating the effects of exoskeletons with actual construction workers as participants and at worksites/environments representative of actual working conditions.
CISWP researchers, however, are bridging the gap between fundamental research and the needs of industry. In collaboration with several organizations and stakeholders in residential construction, as well as technology leaders and manufacturers such as Hilti Canada, CISWP is investigating the effects of exoskeletons on skilled trade workers, including women and other underrepresented groups. The ongoing research evaluates the day-long and multiday effects of exoskeleton usage on worker fatigue, productivity and performance, and injury symptoms.
Initial findings suggest the potential to reduce MSD pain symptoms at multiple body regions. Upon the conclusion of the research project, CISWP will take research findings to develop decision-making tools for construction businesses to better plan for the effective adoption and use of exoskeleton technologies.
CISWP continues to seek partners interested in participating in its field study. If your company would like to contribute to this research initiative, contact ciswp@conestogac.on.ca.
